The 100 Black Men of Akron step up to stop violent crime by increased interaction with black youth

Akron, Ohio (WOIO) -Saying enough is enough, the 100 Black Men of Akron, a professional Black men’s organization, is using the latest shooting incident outside the Mason Community Learning Center as a motivation to help stamp out crime.

Lt Michael Murphy of the Akron Police Department is a member of the 100.

“There were five individuals that were struck by gunfire. Another 10 individuals that were hit, struck, or run over by vehicles.”

“Our youth are crying out for belonging, identity, and direction, and too often they’re finding it in the wrong places,” said Kent Boyd, a member of 100 Black Men of Akron.

For some of these high-achieving men, this is a life experience.

Coach Edward Smith is a prime example of the havoc violence can wreak.

“My own son, Jordan, was murdered by a young black man. I have also coached youth who have been found guilty of using a gun to settle a conflict.”

Marcus Bailey, also of the 100, said, “I started Lava Athletics because of the violence in my family. The disease of violence plagues us deep. My grandfather murdered, my uncle murdered, my brother murdered. My brother shot the same night, cousins and friends.”

Monday, these men called on everyone to stand up and stop the violence, saying enough is enough. They are asking community residents, police, and politicians to join the efforts to save lives.

Eufrancia Lash, president of the 100 Black Men of Akron, says the usual ways of tackling the violence problem among black youth aren’t working.

“We need more than thoughts and prayers. We have reached a moment where we need tangible action. We need you to open your doors, share your resources, and demonstrate to our young people that they are not forgotten, that they are not expendable, that they are valued.”

Mr. Lash is calling on everyone to do more and not to just talk about it, saying be a part of the solution, not part of the problem.